Peugeot 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport - anyone own/driven one?

[MOBB]

I'm after a small fun car;

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

The Peugeot never really crossed my radar until the GT86 vs 208 article, one thing led to another and DTD have come up with a 27% discount and 2.9% APR PCP deal, so I am now officially interested.

I am thinking its similar to a Mountuned Fiesta ST but with proper LSD, better ride (?), much nicer interior. If so it could be what I'm after.

Any experiences of these? No comments on the list price please lol - I know what used cars I could get for similar money blah blah blah :-)

[culpz]

Ben Lowden would be good to ask on here, as he has a bit of experience under his belt running one in the PH Fleet.

I've never drive one, but i'd have a genuinely hard time believing it would be fun than the standard Fiesta ST i drove, let alone with the Mountune kit on. At least not for me, anyway.

I'd try and get a drive of one yourself and make your own mind up.

[mnaylor]

Make sure you drive the Fiesta ST and the Peugeot before making a decision. Personally I haven't been convinced by anything Peugeot since the 205/306 era but give it a chance and test drive it.

[MOBB]

I did own a mountuned Fiesta ST a couple of years ago and should never have got rid of it. Replaced it with an M235i and whilst quicker, better etc it just wasn't a patch on the ST for fun purposes.

I probably wouldn't want another ST due to the harsh ride and the general interior ambience, but if nothing else drives 95% as well I may well just get another ST.

Got a test drive this lunchtime, not sure if its a standard GTI or PS but let see how it goes!

[MOBB]

Test drove the standard 208 GTI just now.

Very nice little car, a bit softer than the Fiesta ST but I assume the Peugeot Sport version makes it a bit more aggressive.

Will have a think now.

[HJMS123]

MOBB said:

Test drove the standard 208 GTI just now.

Very nice little car, a bit softer than the Fiesta ST but I assume the Peugeot Sport version makes it a bit more aggressive.

Will have a think now.

Apparently they're quite different to drive, stiffer suspension and the obvious diff so would be worthwhile trying to trackdown a localish PS version.

I miss my ST so much but not sure I could go back to a car with a ride that firm anymore ... certainly not with my current commute across town/city anyway.

[treeroy]

yes it is nicer than the Fiesta ST and has a better ride. But I would urge you to test drive the Fiesta as well.

I liked the 208 GTI, took it for a test drive, liked it and thought it was a real possibility for me. Then I went down the road to the Ford garage, test drove the Fiesta ST, and my mind was very quickly made up.. Fiesta is miles ahead in terms of engagement and fun.

also for what it's worth the ST ride has never bothered me in the slightest, can barely notice it, then again ride quality and comfort is not something I care about in a car.

[MOBB]

Deal done - Power Orange 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport with the new 3D Nav and reversing camera

The deal through DTD for anyone interested was;

£24,500 list price (cough)
£18,000 ish discounted price - 26.5% discount
2.9% APR
£2k deposit
£235 per month x36

Was tempted to get another used Fiesta ST but I've had one of those before.

My past few cars make for a mildy interesting journey;

Abarth 595
Fiesta ST
BMW M235i
BMW F10 M5
Seat Leon Cupra 290
208

I always assumed bigger/faster/better badge was my goal but have recently realised I'm at my happiest in a small hot-hatch.

The 300bhp machines are amazing but aren't really hot hatches any more.

[the_bakerboy3685]

MOBB said:

Deal done - Power Orange 208 GTI by Peugeot Sport with the new 3D Nav and reversing camera

The deal through DTD for anyone interested was;

£24,500 list price (cough)
£18,000 ish discounted price - 26.5% discount
2.9% APR
£2k deposit
£235 per month x36

Was tempted to get another used Fiesta ST but I've had one of those before.

My past few cars make for a mildy interesting journey;

Abarth 595
Fiesta ST
BMW M235i
BMW F10 M5
Seat Leon Cupra 290
208

I always assumed bigger/faster/better badge was my goal but have recently realised I'm at my happiest in a small hot-hatch.

The 300bhp machines are amazing but aren't really hot hatches any more.

What was the Leon Cupra 290 like? I'm guessing nowhere near as fun as the ST or new 208 on the way!

[smiley_boy2501]

Snap

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[MOBB]

smiley_boy2501 said:

Snap

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Cheers for posting that - I was wavering between orange and white...............yours looks superb so I will stick with orange :-)

[MOBB]

the_bakerboy3685 said:

What was the Leon Cupra 290 like? I'm guessing nowhere near as fun as the ST or new 208 on the way!

Its an excellent car - I would say 80% of the fun of the ST

Its much quicker though, especially with a JB1 fitted. It has a superbly well judged chassis and a lot of toys.

But I never grew to love it - and in all honesty its too quick to be a nice thrashable hot hatch - as soon as you open it up to any major degree, you need to back off to avoid very naughty speeds - 150mph is pretty straightforward with the JB1. Even without too lol

The amount of times I've opened it up and thought afterwards "I'm going to get into big trouble with this" - I found myself doing it more than I did in my M5 for some reason!!

[g40steve]

I have had one for about 18 months, really is a fun car & plenty quick enough, quiet a 'q' car not shouty at all.
Tyres are amazing in warm conditions but bit scrabbly on frosty mornings.
Got mine on a crazy lease back in 2016 £166 per month.
Have fun & remember when you think no way it will go round here at that speed, it will!

[the_bakerboy3685]

MOBB said:

Its an excellent car - I would say 80% of the fun of the ST

Its much quicker though, especially with a JB1 fitted. It has a superbly well judged chassis and a lot of toys.

But I never grew to love it - and in all honesty its too quick to be a nice thrashable hot hatch - as soon as you open it up to any major degree, you need to back off to avoid very naughty speeds - 150mph is pretty straightforward with the JB1. Even without too lol

The amount of times I've opened it up and thought afterwards "I'm going to get into big trouble with this" - I found myself doing it more than I did in my M5 for some reason!!

Yeah I had a Fiesta ST in 2014 but haven't got it anymore, however I am seriously tempted to go back to one when the new one comes out later this year.

There are some crazy lease deals on Leon Cupra 300's at the mo which had me tempted but I too just worry it would not be as fun. As you mention going faster isn't necessarily better all round!

[anonymous-user]

I have one - Missus has the regular GTi (Prestige)

They are TOTALLY different to drive.

[Ollymc64]

culpz said:

Ben Lowden would be good to ask on here, as he has a bit of experience under his belt running one in the PH Fleet.

I've never drive one, but i'd have a genuinely hard time believing it would be fun than the standard Fiesta ST i drove, let alone with the Mountune kit on. At least not for me, anyway.

I'd try and get a drive of one yourself and make your own mind up.

I had a festa st for 5 years was a brilliant car i now own the 208 gti and i love it i have to say even over the fiesta people talk about the handling i can tell you there isn't a big difference the cabin on the other hand miles ahead in the 208 ride much better love mine

[Ollymc64]

MOBB said:

Its an excellent car - I would say 80% of the fun of the ST

Its much quicker though, especially with a JB1 fitted. It has a superbly well judged chassis and a lot of toys.

But I never grew to love it - and in all honesty its too quick to be a nice thrashable hot hatch - as soon as you open it up to any major degree, you need to back off to avoid very naughty speeds - 150mph is pretty straightforward with the JB1. Even without too lol

The amount of times I've opened it up and thought afterwards "I'm going to get into big trouble with this" - I found myself doing it more than I did in my M5 for some reason!!

I got the white looks great fantastic little car